"a historic" or "an historic"

"Elements" was written in 1918, wasn't it, Boom? That's what I was talking about. The language has evolved.

 

A

 

Maybe it's a British thing but I always say "an". I think maybe because the slightly silent "h" is followed by a vowel and it's easier to pronounce that way.

I don't know when Elements was originallly published but there have been several revisions. 1991 is the most recent.

I wonder what English newspapers would consider proper. Maybe either is acceptable.

 

I say an, but would write a.

Hmm.

 

For me, it's "a historic," and it saddens me that anyone would think otherwise. :'(

 

I use the version that was updated by E.B White. Anyway I'm kind of old fashion. I still hold doors for the ladies and wear a jacket and tie to nice restuarants.

If writing is evolving I wonder if 20 years from now we will think of hip hop as accpetable form.

 

Putting aside how you write it...how do you actually SAY it? Does anyone actually say 'a historic' whatever? Sounds weird....

 

Certainly an odd way to say it.

 

I can't tell what I'd actually say because now I'm thinking about it too much. I think I'd say "a" as in "way" or say an "a" that sounds like "uh"
I don't think I'd say "an" but like I said, I'm thinking about it too much right now to know for sure. I'd need a chance to say it organically.

 

To me, an historic sounds weird.

 

Agreed.

 

In order to say "a historic," it necessitates a small but perceptible pause between the words. It doesn't flow off the tongue. The way it flows off the tongue is "an 'istoric."

Now, if you put a modifier in there -- "That was a pretty historic comeback" -- then it alleviates the problem.

But I think the natural inclination, for most people, is to say, "It was an 'istoric comeback."

It's a silly thing about this language. And, bear in mind, I think I'm in the "a historic" camp when it's in print.